NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.